College news
• Caya Greenspan-Layman of Wilmington graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in sociology and a minor in creative and professional writing from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. She was also named to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester.
• Elizabeth Day of Brattleboro and Wyatt Keith of Vernon were both named to the spring 2022 Dean's List at American International College in Springfield, Mass.
• Elijah Cooper of Brattleboro and Meagan Kelly of Westminster, both members of the class of 2024, were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2022 semester at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.
• Emeline L. Stewart of Wilmington was named to the spring 2022 dean's list at Fairfield (Conn.) University.
Obituaries
• Marlene Ola Bills, 81, of West Wardsboro. Died peacefully Jan. 18, 2021 at her home. Bills was born in Londonderry to Roland Westine and Ola (Robbins) Westine. She graduated from Leland & Gray Seminary in June 1958. She married Leon Bills, Jr., and settled in the town of Newfane. She was very devoted to her family, and she cherished time spent with them, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband in November 2012. She leaves behind four sons: Bruce Bills of Townshend, Craig Bills of Townshend, Brett Bills of Newfane, and Randy Bills of Brookline; and two daughters, Darlene Dougherty of Florida, and Kelley Pluff of West Wardsboro. Additionally, she is survived by 14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Memorial information: A celebration of her life will be conducted on Saturday, July 9, from noon to 2 p.m., at the NewBrook Fire Station on Route 30 in Newfane.
• Garrison Paul Borger, 88, of Guilford. Died at his home on June 25, 2022, after a short period of declining health. With the help of Bayada Hospice services, he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones and several close friends. He was born March 12, 1934, in Patchogue, Long Island, N.Y., the son of J. Garrison Borger and Beryl (Newcombe) Borger Germain. The family moved from Long Island to a farm in Guilford in 1948, where Garry continued his primary education in a one-room schoolhouse. Challenged in the area of academics, Garry showed at an early age a strong inclination toward anything that could be formed by the use of eyes and hands. He continued to develop his artistic skills into painting with watercolors as well as oils. He loved gardening and outdoor work, and the grounds around his log cabin home were on occasion included in local garden tours. He served in the Army in the Tank Corps. He was active in the Big Brothers of America and fostered several boys in his home. He retired from Northfield Mount Hermon School, where he worked for many years as a painter. Garry was a humble man of great Christian faith and he attended several local churches over the years. In 1985, he married Cynthia (Prince) Thomas, who died in 2013. He is survived by his much-loved stepson Brian Thomas (wife Carol) of Palmyra, Va.; his sister Patricia Borger Houghton and her husband George “Tucky” Houghton of Guilford; niece Sherry Houghton Providence, and nephews Jeff and Jody Houghton, all of Guilford, along with his very close lifelong friend Ron Warriner of Vernon, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. Memorial information: A memorial service was held June 30 at Vernon Union Church, with burial taking place at a future date. Donations to a charity of one's choosing.
• Patricia M. “Pat” Cameron, 95, of Brattleboro. Died June 28, 2022 at Bradley House, after a period of declining health. Pat was born in Seattle on Jan. 10, 1927. At just six weeks of age, she was boarded onto the American Mail liner S.S. President Madison in the care of Mrs. Celia Dudley, a nurse who cared for Pat until they reached Shanghai, China, where Pat's adoptive parents were waiting for her. Her parents, Florence and Harry Cameron, were in Shanghai where he worked as superintendent of the Amos Bird and Co. Pat's given name was Margaret Ann but her parents changed it to Patricia because she arrived in China on March 18, the day after Saint Patrick's Day. Pat, her mother and sister Barbara (also adopted) were evacuated to the United States at the start of World War II. Her father joined them four years later in San Diego, Calif. Pat had fond memories of her time in China but always considered herself a California girl, even after eventually living in Brattleboro for more than 30 years. Pat worked in banking from the time she was in her teens until she took an early retirement. She lied about her age in order to get her first job, but since the war had forced many men to the cause overseas, her employer at the Southern California Bank (eventually Union Bank of California) overlooked her indiscretion. Over the years, she managed branches of the bank and, after retirement, maintained friendships with some of the women who worked for her then. Those women remember Pat as an excellent manager, mentor, and friend. Pat met her lifelong friend and housemate Harriet Ives, who predeceased her in November, when they were both in their early twenties. They spent more than 70 years together in California and Vermont. Although they had different interests, one thing they shared was a love of animals, particularly dogs. They raised and cared for many dogs over the years and often had multiple canine companions at a time. In addition to animals, Pat loved to knit and to needlepoint. She loved music and for many years sang soprano in the Brattleboro Community Chorus and at St. Michael's Episcopal Church under the direction of her dear friend Susan Dedell. Pat was a dedicated letter writer and exchanged cards and letters with friends frequently. She appreciated the kindness of her friends and never missed an opportunity to send a thank you card or a note of condolence or encouragement when she saw the need. Pat was deeply religious and her faith was very important to her. She was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Besides many friends in both Vermont and California, Pat leaves a cousin, Joyce Rodenhiser and her husband Al, of Saugus, Mass.; Harriet's niece Kathy Anjuhar and her husband Ed of California; and Harriet's nephew Kenneth Ives of Oregon. Memorial information: A service honoring Pat's life will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 9, at 10 a.m. Donations to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301; or to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. And when you think of Pat, consider picking up a pen and writing a note to a friend. To share a memory or send condolences to Pat's family, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Stuart Elwin Cheney, 87, of West Brattleboro. Died unexpectedly June 30, 2022 at his home, following an extended period of declining health. A lifelong resident of the area and proud Vermonter, he was born in Brattleboro on September 30, 1934, the son of Everett and Edith (Holland) Cheney. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro High School with the Class of 1952. As a young boy and into his teens, he assisted his father with the day-to-day operation of the family farm. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army. Upon his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home and went to work for Suburban Propane. He was also very interested in forestry, and logged the local hills for years. Stuart started the Cheney Hill Farm in Guilford, where he worked from 1966-2001 with the help of his sons. Stuart also supplemented his income (as many farmers are forced to do) by driving a bulk milk truck for Henry Transportation and Harris Milk Transport. Following retirement, he joined his son and daughter-in-law by assisting with their family business, Vermont Road Works. He liked to drive the water truck. An ardent outdoorsman, he enjoyed gardening, hunting, visiting area family farms and time shared with his family. Stuart had a deep love and admiration for nature and animals. He also had a great appreciation for polka music, square dancing and watching bull riding. Stuart also loved desserts and his eyes would light right up and you could predict an exclamation of “Oh, Boy,” when delivering any sweet treat. Stuart was a gifted writer and liked to sing. He is credited with writing several short stories for the Cornell Cals newsletter, a publication produced by Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Science. His writings were primarily about his experiences growing up on a small rural family farm. He was also published multiple times in Country Farms Magazine. On Nov. 17, 1957 in Pittsfield, Mass., he was married to Angelina Romeo (Peanut), the love of his life, who predeceased him in 1999. He is also predeceased by his parents and his son-in-law, Daniel Flanders. Survivors include one daughter, Michelle Flanders of Canandaigua, N.Y.; two sons, Douglas Cheney and his wife, Tina, and Fred Cheney and his wife, Tara, all of Guilford; one sister, Sibyl Class of Brattleboro; and 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves a niece, a nephew and many cousins. He is also survived by Susan Fisher and her husband Paul, whom he considered family. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted Wednesday, July 6, in West Brattleboro Cemetery at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the American Legion, 32 Linden St., Brattleboro. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302 or Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Jane Elizabeth Church, 91, of Newfane, Died peacefully on June 26, 2022 at Thompson House with her son at her side. She had been a resident of the facility since mid-May. Mrs. Church was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Sept. 18, 1930, the daughter of Anna Mary Tirpack. At the time of her birth, Jane weighed a mere three pounds. She was raised and educated in Miners Mills, Pa., where she attended local public schools. Although she worked numerous jobs throughout her life, she prided herself on being a devoted and loving homemaker whose life centered around her family. Jane was born and raised Catholic and was a former communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic Parish in Norwalk, Conn. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and time shared with her family. She also enjoyed helping others, especially anyone in need. In 1950, she married Clifford A. Church. Her husband of nearly 50 years predeceased her in 2010. Survivors include two sons, William Church of Newfane and Clifford Church Jr. (Donna) of Manteca, Calif.; and two daughters, Connie Warner (Dick) of Brentwood, Calif., and Doreen Church (Ivan) of Colorado Springs, Colo. Additionally, she leaves 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one son, David Church, and a daughter, Theresa Miller. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted on July 5 in Taft Cemetery in West Dummerston. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Duncan John Hayes, 4, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully in his auntie's arms on June 19, 2022, after a courageous fight to overcome complications from surgery for a congenital heart defect. Born on Feb. 7, 2018, in Boston to Joleen Sanderson and Jason Hayes, Duncan spent the last two years living with his aunt, Jenna Perusse of Brattleboro, along with his brother and cousins. Duncan attended West Bee Nursery School and adored his three teachers and all his classmates. He was a very affectionate little guy with a sweet and spicy personality, and everyone loved his George Washington curls. Duncan was given a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and was overjoyed that Mickey Mouse came all the way from Disney World to meet him. In addition to his love of Mickey Mouse, Duncan loved the outdoors. He enjoyed family trips to the beach, the zoo, the pool, the park, or riding his scooter with his brother Eli and best friend and cousin Evie. He also enjoyed going to the movies and bowling. Duncan will forever be missed by his family who will cherish the short time they spent with him. In addition to his Auntie Jenna, he is survived by his loving sisters, Kaitlyn, Brittney, and Crystal; brothers Ryan, David, and Matthew, Elijiah and Mark; niece Brooklyn and cousins Emily and Rylan Bristol, Emeline, and best friend Everly Bristol, Nicholas and Taylor Perusse, Noah Perusse, Gracie Houle, and Papa's Robert Perusse Jr. and Mark Young; Aunt and Uncle Darcy and Paul Burroughs, as well as many other aunts, uncles, and extended family and friends. Duncan is predeceased by his mother, Aunt Tara Lyon, and grandparents Michelle Sanderson Harris and Tim Sanderson. Memorial information: A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 9, at 1 p.m., at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro, followed by a celebration of Duncan's life at VFW Post 1034 in Brattleboro. Donations in Duncan's memory may be made to the Boston Children's Hospital Child Life Department, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115 To view an online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Charles M. “Charlie” Ogden, 57, of Guilford. Died June 24, 2022 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a brief illness. Charlie was born in Brattleboro on Feb. 15, 1965, the son of Charles and Jeanne (Bonneau) Ogden. He attended Guilford public schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1983. Following graduation, he served with the Vermont Army National Guard. At the time of his death, he was a supervisor for United Natural Foods in Chesterfield, N.H. Previously, Charlie worked at C&S Wholesale Grocers in Brattleboro. An ardent outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and metal detecting. He recently enjoyed learning wood crafts and took pride in the many boxes and baskets he made; some included a wood-burned design. He also was a devoted family man who cherished time with his family. On Oct. 1, 2011, at a small wedding ceremony for close friends and family, he was married to Lisa J. Wisell, who survives. He also leaves one son, Kevin Nelligan (Kristina) of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; two daughters, Sarah Calamaco (Everado) of Franklinton, N.C., and Tracy Evans of Guilford; two sisters, Sue Eldridge of Billerica, Mass., and Vicki Baker (Jim) of Leyden, Mass.; and five grandchildren, Analisa, Elijah and Abby Calamaco, Charlie Nelligan and Madison Evans. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws whom he was also very close to. Additionally, he leaves his beloved dog, Kaylie. Charlie was predeceased by his parents and a brother, David Ogden. Memorial information: Graveside committal services will be conducted on Saturday, July 23, at 10 a.m., in Christ Church Cemetery in Algiers. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302; or to Windham County Humane Society, PO Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To send condolences, visit atamaniuk.com.
• Sheldon Griswold Weeks, 90, of Brattleboro. Died on May 4, 2022 at his home. Born on Nov. 19 1931 in New York City, Sheldon was a humanitarian, educator, researcher, author, peace activist, conscientious objector, and Quaker. He was beloved by his family and lived with a passion for world travel, nature, and the arts. He was a voracious reader and movie watcher. He enjoyed hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, camping, going on safari, visiting galleries and museums, and attending music events and theater performances. Sheldon was usually seen with a hat on his head and a camera in his hand. He attended Swarthmore (B.A., 1954), Antioch (M.A., 1960), and Harvard (Ed.D., 1968). From 1969 to 2013, he was a professor specializing in comparative education at universities in Uganda, Tanzania, and Papua New Guinea, and was founding dean of graduate studies in Botswana. He was predeceased by wives Sally Shoop, Mary Kironde, and Gudrun Schulz. He is survived by sister, Elinor Weeks; children Sara, Abigail, Harold, Edisa, and Kristina Weeks; and two stepchildren, 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Memorial information: A memoral service will be held Aug. 20 at Putney Friends Meeting House. For more information, visit sheldongweeks.weebly.com.
Services
• Graveside committal services for Helen B. Boudreau will be conducted Friday, July 15, at 9 a.m., in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Mrs. Bourdreau, 91, of Briggs Road in Guilford, died June 11, 2022 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. To view her full obituary, visit atamaniuk.com.
• A funeral Mass for Ann Marie Perra will be held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, July 14, at 1 p.m. This time was changed since the original announcement. The family would also like to stress that black attire is not required. Mrs. Perra, formerly of Brattleboro, died peacefully on May 10, 2022. To view her full obituary, visit atamaniuk.com.